{UAH} Modest, reserved and principled

Rukikaire shares his life experiences. PHOTO BY BRENDA BANURA 

By Brenda Banura

His CV may be quite impressive, but Matthew Rukikaire is a modest man- perhaps the most modest "big" person you will ever meet. He was the first non-Muganda Head Boy of King's College Budo in 1960. While this does not matter today, it was a big deal then since the school was dominated by Baganda students. That marked the beginning of his future leadership roles. Later in 1962, he became the guild president of Makerere University and National Organising Secretary for Uganda Peoples' Congress. He worked as a government economist, East Africa's Representative to the European Economic Commission in Brussels and regional trading Manager for Shell International. And there is more.

Rukikaire is also a founder member of Uganda Patriotic Movement (Now National Resistance Movement). In fact, it is at his home that the guerilla bush war was launched against Obote/Mwanga regime. He was a member of the 6th Parliament, a minister for 10 years and was awarded the Nalubale Medal of Honour. Thereafter, he served as the alma mater chairman Makerere University Council. Just recently, he was honoured with an Order of Merit award by King's College Budo, ordained as a Canon and he is currently the chairman of Pioneer Easy Bus Company.

And to think none of these is his biggest achievement! Instead, he says, "Raising a family, sticking to principles spiritual and political like fairness, honesty, support of the under privileged that I have lived by all my life are my biggest life achievements." No wonder he describes himself as a "reserved, observant, watchful, principled and private person." He forgets to say he also likes smiling a lot. A slight smile, enough to show that he is a jolly fellow and a gentleman.

Humble at heart
He resigned his duties as Minister of State for Privatisation in 1999 just before parliament censured him. He was faced with allegations of corruption in the privatisation process under his care. He talks about this with a somewhat dreamy face. Like it is something that offered great opportunity but did not yield. And maybe it is true.

"I hoped to help establish a stable country with per capita GDP of more than $1000. But because of repeated inability by successive governments to bring conditions conducive to attain those hopes I didn't," Rukikaire admits.

Then he explains that as he resigned, he knew there were a couple of things he wanted to achieve that he had not because of circumstances beyond him. "But I left to allow other people with good visions to contribute to the country."

By any standards, Rukikaire fits the description of a successful man. He attributes this to good up bringing in a Christian home. "My family inculcated good principles in me –the same principles that I live by. They also helped me attain a good education. And the support of my family has also helped me succeed. In my line of work you cannot succeed if your family doesn't have your back."

He talks about his family with a warm voice. And like most grandfathers, he holds his grand children who are nine at the moment very dear. Like many grandfathers, he listens carefully to every question and occasionally asks me to repeat them. Then, he answers after thinking through. And though he wears spectacles, when he receives a call, he fumbles to press the cancel or receive the call. But even then, he is more sophisticated than your average grandfather.

Rukikaire and his wife Shebe have five children. The two have been married for 44 years now. They are a close family. "When I was in exile my family went with me everywhere I went (Nairobi, Brussels, Arusha). That cemented and consolidated us. It has probably made the children better people because they have experienced the hardships with me. They were with me as I did risky things to help put an end to dictatorial rule in the country," he says.

As a business man who owns two tourist hotels upcountry, tour and travel companies, it was inevitable to ask for business tips which he gladly gives. "When people are starting a business, most want to talk about capital, yet it is not the most important thing. Instead have a dream, make a plan on how you want to achieve it. The plan should be detailed and specific including all steps to be taken. Finally, think of how to finance it – the money will come when the plan is done. This applies to all kinds of business," he says.

Being 73, his are words of wisdom not to be taken lightly. He also says people should be modest in life as it makes life more interesting because you are able to interact with people. And you can't estimate the importance of social interactions.

And for one his age, Rukikaire looks younger and stronger. He works hard to get that look. "I have a farm in Mukono that I visit thrice a week. When there, I walk a lot which is good for me. Also to keep in shape, I have a treadmill at home and I run for 45 minutes at least four times every week." He also spends an hour in a hot spring whenever he can.

The businessman also loves watching cricket, tennis and golf. At the moment Rukikaire is devoting his energies to making the country's transport system better. His dream is "to decongest the city with 600 buses that will travel all around. The aim is to provide convenient transport and hope to transport at least one million people."In all this he strives to stay away from controversy of government involvement and elicit public support.

He adds that there after in future they would like to support the East African integration by providing integrated transport services.

Bbanura@ug.nationmedia.com

https://www.monitor.co.ug/Magazines/Life/689856-1381798-114des/index.html

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Allaah gives the best to those who leave the choice to Him."And if Allah touches you with harm, none can remove it but He, and if He touches you with good, then He is Able to do all things." (6:17)

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